NYC with kids - tips for deals or hotel recs?

[FloFTW]

We are looking to go to NYC with the kids (3 and 5) either in October or December. We'd like to go at Christmas time, but I am worried that the price then would be much steeper than October. Is that true booking this far out? We're willing to fly on Saturday (early) and Monday (late). I think we'd want to stay Chelsea/Madison Square area and north so that it's a little easier to go back to the hotel for a rest, but if someone has a great rec for a hotel then I'd love to hear it!

We'd probably be looking to do the Natural History Museum, Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building...then fill in the rest of the time with walking around Times Square, 5th Ave, Central Park, etc.

I am also still considering downtown Brooklyn, but it seems that it's not much cheaper than Manhattan.

So, I guess I'm asking a few questions:

1. Book hotels and flights separately, or together?

2. Is there a website that really is the best place to get good deals?

3. Better to book a hotel now or take our chances on a good deal really close to the time? (I'm worried about rooms with 2 double beds...)

4. Any specific hotel recs?

5. Random good tips for NYC with kids?

[winnied]

Jul 17, 2015 7:45:04 GMT -5 FloFTW said:

We are looking to go to NYC with the kids (3 and 5) either in October or December. We'd like to go at Christmas time, but I am worried that the price then would be much steeper than October. Is that true booking this far out? We're willing to fly on Saturday (early) and Monday (late). I think we'd want to stay Chelsea/Madison Square area and north so that it's a little easier to go back to the hotel for a rest, but if someone has a great rec for a hotel then I'd love to hear it!

We'd probably be looking to do the Natural History Museum, Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building...then fill in the rest of the time with walking around Times Square, 5th Ave, Central Park, etc.

I am also still considering downtown Brooklyn, but it seems that it's not much cheaper than Manhattan.

So, I guess I'm asking a few questions:

1. Book hotels and flights separately, or together?

2. Is there a website that really is the best place to get good deals?

3. Better to book a hotel now or take our chances on a good deal really close to the time? (I'm worried about rooms with 2 double beds...)

4. Any specific hotel recs?

5. Random good tips for NYC with kids?

Are you committed to staying in a hotel? I'd consider Airbnb or Kid and Coe for more affordable options. Flights and hotels will be expensive this time of year, no matter how early you book. It's always a big season. 

I don't have kids so I can't help with the rest. Good luck! 

[FloFTW]

We actually booked for October. Figured we might try Christmas when they're a little older. Prices were pretty good. Thanks everyone!